10 Must-See Sights in Brisbane, Australia

The Brisbane Sign

What better proof that you made it to Brisbane than a giant sign with the city name?! The Brisbane sign is located near the South Bank ferry stop. During the day, you can see the images on the different letters while, at night, the sign lights up in a burst of color. You can reach the sign via ferry or bus. (Use the Translink app to find the best route from your location.)

Photo by TEAN staff, Zoe Shwidock

Eat Street Markets

Open every Friday and Saturday from 4-10pm and every Sunday from 11am-8pm, the Eat Street Markets are filled with food vendors, bars, shops and live music. This is a great place to go if you want to taste test your way through the city – make sure to go hungry! It costs $2.50 AUD to get into the markets.

Kangaroo Point

To see a different side of Brisbane, head to Kangaroo Point for a gorgeous view of the river and city. You can easily reach it by taking a ferry using the Brisbane Translink app.

View of Brisbane city from Kangaroo Point

Boggo Road Gaol

Boggo Road Gaol is a notorious old prison in the center of Brisbane that’s now open to visitors. Choose from a range of intriguing daily tours, like the Inmates Tour or Ghost Tour. You will not regret it! Tours are $25 AUD for students.

The Wheel of Brisbane

This 60-meter-high Ferris wheel offers a different look at the city along with a fun ride. During the day you can see across Brisbane and the river while at night you can enjoy the light both from the city and the wheel – it’s covered in 65,000 LED lights! Student tickets are $18 AUD.

The Brisbane Wheel | Photo by Shannon Barbour, Whittier University

Roma Street Parkland

Just a 10-minute walk from Brisbane’s central business district, Roma Street Parkland offers a dose of nature complete with walking paths, waterfalls, playgrounds and tropical plants.

Streets Beach

Take a break from studying and relax at the sparkling man- made Streets Beach conveniently located in the middle of the city.

JC Slaughter Falls

Situated in Mt Coot-tha Reserve, JC Slaughter Falls boasts picnic grounds and bush walk trails just waiting to be explored. Grab some lunch, enjoy eating al fresco then hike through the area. During the wet season from December to March, there’s also a waterfall to discover.

Mount Coot-tha

Make your way to the top of Mount Coot-tha for an indescribable view of the city that’s even more magical when you’re there for sunrise or sunset. You can get to Mount Coot-tha a few different ways including booking a tour on a tour bus or taking a public bus using the Translink app. Once at the bottom of the mountain, hike or take a bus to top. At the base of the mountain, there are also several unique gardens to wander through.

University of Queensland Lakes

Stop by the University of Queensland Lakes to soak up amazing views and see local birds and wildlife. If you visit during October and November, you’ll also see the gorgeous jacaranda trees flowering with purple blossoms.